gps units

[John K.]

I'm considering the Garmin 660, but now I see there's another issue. I already use the 12v plug for a camera that is mounted on the back of our travel trailer so that I can see what's behind me while I drive. If the 660 also runs on the 12v, do I need a splitter or some other adapter to accommodate both the camera and gps?

[ttavasc]

Yes, you would need a 12V accessory splitter. I have a flexible 2-way splitter as my dash cam also requires a 12V accessory plug.

[John K.]

So as I continue researching this GPS thing, it looks like I might need an adapter that plugs into a car's 12v cigarette lighter that has AT LEAST: one 3-prong outlet (120v), two 12v outlets & two USB ports. Is there such a thing?

[ttavasc]

Not sure what all of those different ports would be needed for except to support a bunch of different devices concurrently. The RV 660LMT itself only requires the one 12V accessory port for use in the vehicle. It will also come with a short USB cable that is intended for connecting it to your computer to interact with Garmin's Basecamp trip planning software which is a free download. It's also used to apply the free map updates.

My dash cam uses a 12v accessory plug so I have a 2-port flexible splitter for that and the GPS. My truck also has a 120v outlet as well as a couple USB ports and we use those for charging our phones/iPads while driving.

[Bullitt6283]

It can be a challenge to power everything. I bought a 12 volt splitter at Wally World which included USB ports.

[ttavasc]

I do understand the challenge there. We've used pretty much every available plugin when we add in the iPad/phones. In responding to John K.'s posts I'm only aware of one existing device using 12V - the backup camera. It does sound like there may be more devices than just the backup camera and the GPS unit that is being considered.

[John K.]

I've asked about a multi-use plug (12v, 120v and USB) because I've got a back-up camera and (to be purchased) GPS needing 12v, plus 3 other people in the car have power, charging and other needs that require 120v and USB. I don't have a 120v outlet in the car (this is a 2010 model, btw), and our one USB port is broken. So, if I understand correctly, the RV 660LMT will need a USB cable (supplied) to connect to our laptop, onto which Garmin's Basecamp program can be downloaded for free. The USB cable also is used to install the free map updates (which also would be a free download onto the laptop?). That apparently means that to get traffic, weather, gas, restaurant, etc. info, I'll need a Smartphone? Thanks in advance.

[ttavasc]

On the RV660LMT the free traffic updates are available when using the 12v accessory plug which doubles as the traffic updates antenna. Make sure that the 660 unit that you are getting includes the combination power cable/traffic receiver - no smartphone app required for that unit. The unit on Amazon includes this in the "From the Manufacturer" section:

"With the included combination power cable/traffic receiver, your RV 660LMT offers free traffic information for the useful life of your device. RV 660LMT can help you avoid traffic jams and find any possible time-saving detours you need to keep moving."

[John K.]

Thanks for the details on the traffic aspect of the GPS. I guess that means I'd need a Smartphone for restaurants, gas stations, camp grounds, weather, etc.?

[ttavasc]

The RV 660 has a lot of that stuff included. When viewing the route map you can select the "Up Ahead" function which allows you to see nearby gas stations, rest areas or RV parks/campgrounds. You can also access Traffic conditions nearby from there assuming you are plugged into the 12V combination power/traffic cable. Traffic alerts will also pop up automatically when navigating along your route and potential alternate routes offered if applicable.

If you exit the map view and select the "Where To?" function you can then select from a number of nearby places such as RV parks, RV services, gas stations, restaurants, attractions, etc. There is also a "Categories" section that expands on these even further by adding items such as recreation, shopping, banks & atms, medical care, transit/parking, lodging etc.

On this unit weather would only be available via the smartphone app I think. There is a menu item for it but when selected it points me to the smartphone app. I've not used the smartphone app because I would have to pair my phone to the GPS unit rather than the U-Connect system in my truck which I don't want to do. I think that the smartphone app would allow you to operate your phone hands free if your vehicle doesn't have an integrated hands-free system in it as well as the other features such as weather being available through the GPS unit.

[John K.]

Wow, this is great. My questions are answered about the GPS, and I'm at the point where I just need to order the equipment I want. Thanks to everyone who responded; this is a great place to get good information. Now all I need to do is find that adapter (if it exists) with all those plug-in possibilities needed for a family!

[ttavasc]

To add A/C outlets to the mix you can look at portable inverters with a 12v accessory plug such as this:

Stanley Portable Inverter

You will want to see what the maximum draw is going to be for the 12V accessory plugs to ensure you don't exceed the capacity.

[pawpaw]

We use the Garmin RV660LMT. Very happy with it!

[Crossingover]

Originally Posted by ttavasc

The RV 660 has a lot of that stuff included.

Agree, but reliable smart navigation is not included based on our experience with it. We have at times been puzzled and frustrated by the routing this thing generates which is why we also have Google maps routing active on one of our phones to alert us when the RV 660 is giving us dumb routing instructions. Otherwise we are happy with it.

[vcbice]

Each GPS unit has slightly different routing logic. Sometimes the GPS shows the best route, sometimes Google does.

If you have not used a GPS with your RV then suggest you spend some time researching your route prior to departure, especially when not on an interstate. Some US highways have restrictions for weight and length or are just not very 'nice' to drive a big rig.

On unfamiliar routes I will sometimes use Streetview to check a road to see what the condition is, how wide the shoulders are (if any), even what gas stations look like (so I know I can get in and out). The only times I have gone somewhere not comfortable to me is when I did not check. I frequently run my phone GPS (Copilot) along with my Garmin.

As stated, before connecting a bunch of devices make sure your vehicle can handle the load. Some of the outlets today cannot handle 10A of power so adding multiple outlet adapters can cause fuses to blow. If you install an outlet make sure the circuit is up to the task.

[John K.]

Thanks everyone for comments. They sure have helped in directing me to find the best unit for us.

[Pauls72]

We have a Magellan Roadmate RV9490T-LMB. It has a nice big screen. Connects through your cell phone for traffic updates, gas prices, weather, etc... It is a little finicky on inputting addresses some times. For it's camp ground directory it only lists Good Sam ones. Overall we are happy with it. The only issue we have and it's a running joke with us, is it will sometimes falsely report a traffic camera or red light camera in the middle of no place.

[RAurand]

Originally Posted by Bullitt6283

It can be a challenge to power everything. I bought a 12 volt splitter at Wally World which included USB ports.

Starting to look like the cockpit of my airplane!